Lifestyles After 50 Southwest Edition, Mar. 2015

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Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 2

Online Dating Tips Part 2—Playing It Safe a new date home. Don’t worry about offending the other person; an honest mate will understand your taking precautions.

By Elle Layne

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reetings, web-crossed lovers!

In last month’s article, we talked about a few ways to narrow down a dating site. This month is all about making your online dating experience a safe one.

We’ve heard the horror stories about predators with fake profiles arranging meetings with unsuspecting dates, or about con artists or phishers who seem caring and forthright at first but then ask for money and aggressively persist if you refuse. Lonely seniors make especially appealing targets for scammers.

Rather than allow a few bad apples to ruin it for the genuine beaus out there just looking for a good match, stay one step ahead of them by keeping these safety tips in mind: 1. Protect personal information. Don’t give out your address, phone number, credit card number or other details. This sounds like a no-brainer, but sometimes we can let our guard down in our attempts to please others. You do not want this information to fall into the hands of

3. Watch for red flags: These are a few signs that your match might be a scammer trying to lure you into parting with your money or information, according to Match.com: a stranger, con-artist or potential stalker.

Exercise sound judgment and give the relationship time before you trust anyone with sensitive info, for your safety.

2. Meet on your terms. Choose somewhere familiar, safe and preferably public when meeting someone for the first time, and drive yourself. If you take your own car, you have the freedom to leave should the date go awry. Make sure to tell a friend where you are going and the name of the person you are with, and have an exit strategy. Never bring

• Your new match quickly asks to chat on an outside email or messaging service • Claims to be from U.S. but currently travelling, living or working abroad • Asks you for money

• Vanishes mysteriously from the site, then reappears under a different name • Talks about “destiny” or “fate”

• Claims to be recently widowed

• Asks for your address under the guise of sending flowers or gifts

• Makes an inordinate amount of grammar and/or spelling errors • Sends you emails containing strange links to third-party websites • Uses fake photos. Scammers will sometimes pull photos off of stock image sites or other people’s Facebook pages. You can double-check a photo by dragging or saving the image to your computer’s desktop, opening Google Image Search (images.google. com), and dragging the photo into the search field. Then hit the “search images” button to see where else the photo is being posted online. It never hurts to do your homework!

4. Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. And there is no excuse for harassing texts, emails or phone calls. If someone is stalking you, don’t hesitate to report them to the dating site and to the police. Nothing is worth risking your safety over.

I hope these tips help make your experience a smooth one. In our next and last installment, I’ll let you know how you can make your dating profile pop!

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 3

On Chickens and Accidental Melons Dear Readers,

S

o there I was, with an armful of baby chickens. I was maybe four or five years old, and my hands were full of squirming balls of Tracie Lukens, Editor yellow down and peeping orange beaks. You should have seen the smile on my face. My folks came to their rescue, carefully scooping the chicks out of my hands and returning them to the hay pile they had been resting in.

It was the first trip to the North Carolina State Fair that I can remember, and the first time I had met a chicken in person. Cows, sheep, pigs and goats were equally amazing, and I left having had a chance to see and touch and interact with creatures I had only seen in books.

It made a big impression on me as a kid. Unless you grow up on a farm, a fair or a field trip is one of the first and few interactions we have with agriculture.

And it becomes easier, as an adult, to lose touch with the earth and where everything comes from. We can take for granted what’s on our plate and how it gets there.

There’s a movement you might have heard of called Slow Food that’s all about getting back to the basics—adding more fresh, locally grown produce to your diet when you can, and getting to know the people who grow it.

If you’re unfamiliar with the term, as I was, you’ll learn more about the movement in this issue and how to participate by growing your own food at home or taking advantage of local farmers markets.

Florida has a wealth of them! I had no idea until I first moved here from up north. Scattered at street corners across town were stands advertising ripe oranges and tangelos, flats of fresh-picked strawberries, crisp peppers and onions,

sweet corn, orange blossom honey, bulging watermelons and boiled peanuts.

It was a special treat to pile the family in the car and head down to one of the neighborhood fruit stands for a handmade strawberry milkshake. That stand has been run by a local family farm for as long as I can remember. Still is. Florida has a wonderful agricultural tradition, and now is great time to celebrate it.

Grow your own It’s also a good time to try your hand at planting your own edibles, if a rewarding hobby is what you’re looking for.

There’s something wonderful about eating food that was grown right in your own backyard. Even by accident.

When I was a kid, my family ended up with a rogue watermelon one year.

It probably came from one of our seedspitting fights the previous summer.

But my little brothers and sister and I watched with fascination as it grew in our backyard. It went from a golf ball, to a softball, to a football-sized fruit in a few weeks. It never got any bigger than

that, and it wasn’t as sweet as the grocery store variety, but we didn’t care. It was our watermelon, and somehow that made it taste better. (I just hope it wasn’t from one of the seeds my brother shot out of his nose.)

A neighbor of mine is more professional about the whole thing, and he has a home garden full of broccoli, squash, loquats, kale, pineapple, (proper) watermelon and other fruits and veggies. He usually ends up with more than he can ever use, and enjoys sharing the bounty with others.

Our editor emeritus, Janice Doyle, has fond memories of growing up on her family farm. Shortly before she retired, Janice and her husband decided to build a chicken coop in their backyard and have been having adventures raising hens.

“We’ve become very 1970’s Mother Earth-y in our conversations,” she told me. “Fresh for us now means eggs that go from nest to skillet in a matter of minutes. We’re inundated with fresh greens from the garden this month and that’s wonderful as well.”

The benefits to reconnecting with the earth are manifold. If you can, try growing one edible this year (even if it’s a rogue watermelon) and taste the fruits of your labor. It’s an amazing feeling.

Even better, get a grandkid involved and watch the “wow” moments as a seed becomes a plant, and then a tomato, and then spaghetti sauce. Trust me, it’ll make a lasting impression.

Spring is here with all its goodness, and there are many seeds to be planted.

—Tracie Lukens

Lee, Collier & Charlotte Edition Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc

President Richard Reeves richard@lifestylesafter50.com Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing Kathy J. Beck kathy@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Tracie Lukens editor@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Emeritus Janice Doyle Office Manager Vicki Willis vicki@lifestylesafter50.com Administrative Assistant Allie Shaw allie@lifestylesafter50.com Production Supervisor/Graphic Design 813-689-6104 Distribution Nancy Spencer: 941-244-0500 nancy@lifestylesafter50.com

Advertising Sales Questions/Customer Service

813-653-1988 • 1-888-670-0040 Nancy Kuehne: 239-822-6150 nancyk@lifestylesafter50.com Our other editions:

Sarasota Edition: Sarasota/Manatee Tampa Bay Edition: Hillsborough County Suncoast Edition: Pinellas/Pasco Counties Lake Edition: Lake/Marion Counties To learn more, call 1-888-670-0040

News Connection USA, Inc. P.O. Box 638 Seffner, Florida 33583-0638 Fax: (813) 651-1989 www.lifestylesafter50.com

FCOA Attention Readers: The articles printed in Lifestyles After 50 do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. Lifestyles After 50 endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Lifestyles After 50 reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for each issue is the 15th of the previous month. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

As a reader of Lifestyles After 50, you are creating an established relationship with our advertisers. You may be contacted by email, telephone or mail as allowed by law.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 4

Around Town: What’s Happening In March S

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eds. and Sat. through April 30 Historical Walking Tours of Downtown Ft. Myers. 90 mins., starts 10:30 a.m. at the Southwest Florida Museum of History. $12 (add museum admission for only $6). RSVP/info at 239-945-0405 or 239-321-7430.

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hrough 28 Sanibel Music Festival.

Classical music; includes 7 concerts with piano, chamber music, recital and vocal ensemble. 8 p.m. $40. Congregational Church, Sanibel. 239-344-7025.

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aturdays Downtown Punta Gorda Farmers Market. Free admission.

8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Taylor Street at West Olympia Avenue. 941-391-4856.

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– 7 Sanibel Shell Festival. Free shell crafting, meet the artists, purchase shells, create your own shell to take home and more. Free entry. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sanibel Community House. 503-871-1082.

Enjoy being a “wee bit Irish”—if just for the afternoon. This Lee County Community Band concert includes rousing marches, light classical pieces, Broadway hits and a sprinkling of favorite Irish tunes. Free. 3 p.m. Cape Coral High School. 239-945-2554.

“Discover DaVinci & Michelangelo: Side by Side” multimedia theater performance at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Ft. Myers. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $15 – $20. 239-481-4849.

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– 22 Collier County Fair. Daily shows and events, “fair food,” livestock competitions and more. $10 gate admission; Collier County Fairgrounds, Naples. 941-455-1415.

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Christian Women’s Connection March Luncheon “Bling It On – for All that Jazz.” Wear your “Bling” as

Assisted Living

Tempe Brown entertains with her Jazz and Blues! $25 all inclusive. 11:30 a.m.

– 1 p.m. The Club at Grandezza, Estero.

Reservations required; 239-821-5443.

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“March in the Park” Plant and garden art sale. Master gardeners answer questions. Free. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Jaycee Park, Cape Coral. 239-257-2654.

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Southwest Florida Reading festival. Best-selling author presentations, youth activities, library technology, contests, booksellers, book signings, a free book for every child and teen and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Harborside Event Center and Centennial Park, Ft. Myers. 239-337-7323.

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and 15 Shrimp Festival and Parade. Entertainment, 5K Treasure Run and vendors. Free admission. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Lynn Hall Memorial Park, Fortt Myers Beach. 239-454-7500.

Spring Fling with the Ft. Myers Republican Womens Club.

St. Patricks Day theme. 10 a.m. card party and social hour; silent auction at 11 a.m.; fashion show and luncheon at 12 p.m. $30. The Helm Club, The Landings, South Fort Myers. RSVP by Mar. 12 required; 239-489-4701.

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Fort Myers Music Walk. Live bands, shops, patios, bars and restaurants. 6 – 10 p.m. Downtown Fort Myers. 239-645-6457.

27, 28 Mystery On The River Queen. While you’re listening to toe-tapping music, there is a mystery going on and you’re invited aboard. $10. 25: 3 p.m.; 27 and 28: 7:30 p.m.

Unitarian Universalist Church, Ft Myers. 239-561-2198 for tickets. and 29 Spring Fine Arts Festival. West Dearborn Street is transformed into a pedestrian-only artist “village” with works for sale. Free admission. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Downtown Englewood. 941-286-3870.

Send Around Town news to News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583; fax 813-651-1989 or email calendar@srnewsconnection.com by March 10 for April events.)

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Friday, Mar. 19, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.

You and a guest are invited to attend a free assisted living presentation.

Join McKenzie Millis, healthcare marketing specialist, as she reveals the top 10 signs that your loved one is in need of help. She will also explain how to cover assisted living costs.

This program is free, but registration is required by calling:

(239) 454-2077 13901 Shell Point Plaza • Fort Myers, Florida 33908 • www.shellpoint.org The Springs Assisted Living is part of Shell Point’s Integrated Healthcare System. Shell Point is a non-profit ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation, Inc.

©2015 Shell Point. All rights reserved. SPG-260-15

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Emerald Garden Gala (Black Tie Ball).

Hosted by USA Dance, Chapter 6049. $30/$35. 7 – 10 p.m. Riverside Community Center, Ft. Myers. 954-798-0757.

Guided Nature Walk. Enjoy freshwater wetlands, pine flatwoods, scrub areas, and oak and sabal palm hammocks. Free. 9 a.m. Prairie Pines Preserve, Ft. Myers. 239-707-2206.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 5

Slow Down, Eat Better With Farmers Markets

By Tracie Lukens

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here does your food come from?

Is it healthy? Is its production beneficial to you, other people or the environment?

In today’s culture, it can be easy to lose touch with what we eat. Convenience and cost can lead us to questionable choices that ultimately affect our wellbeing. In response, a growing movement called Slow Food has emerged with a mission to reintroduce the world to everything wholesome about food, from local farms and markets to your table.

Why Shop at a Farmers Market? store. Dragonfruit? Prickly pear? Why For starters, you have access to fresh food, harvested at the peak of its ripeness and nutrition, free of preservatives. Small markets also cut out the middleman, so you have a chance to score some deals on in-season produce, especially if you buy in bulk. Furthermore, you’re bringing money back to your community by supporting local farmers.

Debbie Butts, one of the workers at EcoFarm in Plant City, Fla., has been selling produce at the downtown Lakeland farmers market for eight years. “I think buying local and organic is important,” she said.

“Farmers markets connect people with the community. It’s a big social event, and now that we can take food stamps, we can get good food to the people.”

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your farmers market trip:

not! You may discover a new favorite.

Also, don’t be put off by “ugly” fruits and veggies, as they are just as flavorful and nutrient-rich as their waxed, uniform grocery store counterparts.

5. Talk to the farmer. The heart of the Slow Food philosophy is getting to know where your food comes from, and most small farmers are happy to answer your questions. You may find that they offer organic produce, even though they are too small to afford an organic certification. Don’t be afraid to ask for samples or recipe ideas—they want you coming back for more.

6. Make it a trip. Farmers markets can be fun, social experiences. Take a friend or a grandkid, learn more about agriculture and enjoy the fresh air and community fellowship.

These vouchers increase the amount of produce in the diets of some families on food assistance, according to research led

by NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.

“In terms of healthy food options, farmers market incentives may be able to bring a low-income person onto the same playing field as those with greater means,” said Carolyn Dimitri, an associate professor of food studies at NYU Steinhardt and the study’s lead author.

Currently, only low-income elders living in Alachua, Bay, Dixie, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Hernando, Jackson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Sumter, Suwannee, Union, and Washington counties may apply for the program in Florida, though it will expand as program funding increases. Visit elderaffairs.state.fl.us/ doea/farmers_market.php to learn more.

Slow Food

What is “slow food?” Think of the term as the opposite of fast food. The movement is founded on three principles: Good: Our food should include a fresh and flavorsome seasonal diet that satisfies the senses and is part of our local culture; Clean: Food production and consumption should not harm the environment, animal welfare or our health; Fair: There should be accessible prices for consumers and fair conditions and pay for small-scale producers.

Since the global, grassroots movement was first established in 1989, it has grown to include millions of people in over 150 countries.

Chefs like Stefan Mahan, founder of Mahan’s Eatery in Lakeland, Fla., are helping to champion the cause. A farmers market opens outside the restaurant’s doors every Saturday, and Mahan relies on its fresh, local goods for his dishes— everything from produce, bacon and seafood to spices and coffee.

“It’s something that a lot of chefs don’t do,” he told me. “They rely on a produce company to drop things off. Here, I can touch everything, see everything, and if it’s not up to our standards, I don’t use it.”

Like Mahan, you don’t have to travel too far to take advantage of neighborhood farmers markets, which offer benefits to your health and your local economy.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 6

Find a Market Near You

USDA’s National Farmers Market Directory: This database includes directions, hours, products, federal nutrition program participation and more info on 8,100 farmers markets nationwide. Visit search.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/.

Local Harvest: A great online resource for farms, farmers markets, cooking classes and agricultural events happening in your area. See localharvest.org.

1. Go early or late: The best produce can go fast, so it pays to arrive when it opens.

However, if you show up right before closing, you can find some decent sales.

2. Bring a canvas bag or wheeled cart.

This keeps plastic bag costs down for farmers and makes bulky produce easier to carry. Don’t forget a small cooler for meats, dairy or frozen treats.

3. Bring change. A few vendors will have card scanners, but most markets operate on cash.

4. Try new things. Local growers will sometimes have offerings that you wouldn’t otherwise find in a grocery

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): In this program, community Accessible Nutrition members can pledge funds to a local Farmers markets are also a huge part farm at the start of a growing season of making healthy food accessible to to cover the farmer’s salary and operaeveryone through federal programs like tion expenses in exchange for a share the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition of the farm’s bounty throughout the Program, or (SFMNP). It provides low- season—usually in the form of a box income seniors with vouchers that can of assorted fresh produce or meat and be exchanged for eligible foods (fruits, dairy products set aside for pickup each vegetables, honey and herbs) at farmers’ week. Members share risk with the markets, roadside stands and communi- farmer—some yields may be heartier ty-supported agriculture programs. than others, but the reward is a regular Economically disadvantaged families supply of fresh food at prices that are tend to consume diets low in fruits and usually cheaper than grocery stores. vegetables, partially due to poor access to To find a CSA, or to learn more, visit healthy food and the income to pay for it. localharvest.org/store/csa.jsp.

It’s Never Too Late To... Play Pickleball!

By T. Bryce Reeves

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t’s never too late to…pick up a paddle and play pickleball.

This game with a funny name is actually one of the fastest growing sports in America.

Combining elements of tennis, badminton and Older adults get a vigorous workout playing pickleball Ping-Pong, pickleball at Clearwater’s Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex. may be played by all Accounts of how the name pickleball ages, including those in their 90s. originated vary. A July 16, 2013 article in It is appealing to seniors because it is The Wall Street Journal says, “The name less strenuous than tennis, yet it can procomes not from the family dog, Pickles, vide challenging competition for more as popularly related. According to a advanced players. Pickleball paddles are newspaper column by Pritchard’s wife, smaller than tennis racquets and larger Joan, it was so heavily based on other than Ping-Pong paddles. The plastic balls games it reminded her of the pickle boat have holes and are similar to Wiffle balls. in crew, ‘where oarsmen were chosen Check with your city’s recreation defrom the leftovers of other boats.’” partment and see if they offer open play Popular belief is that the game was sessions. If they don’t, you may want to named after the dog, Pickles, who chased ask them to look into it. after the ball. Others claim both accounts may be true. Regardless of where it came A quick history: The game was created in 1965 by Joel from, the name pickleball has endured.

(From Pickleball Fundamentals by USA Pritchard, a congressman from Washington, and Bill Bell, a businessman, to en- Pickleball Association with Mary Littlewood. For more, visit HumanKinetics.com.) tertain their families during a barbecue.

The Best of Charlotte 17

Fishermen’s Village St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)Vendors, live entertainment all day, Lee County Pipes & Drums show and parade (5:30 p.m.), Irish music (6 – 8 p.m.) and food.

Free entry. 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. 941-639-8721.

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15th Annual Peace River Celtic Festival. Traditional Celtic music and dance, food, activities and more. Noon to 7 p.m. at the Celtic Ray Public House, Punta Gorda. $5 entry. 941-625-8544.

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An Evening of the World’s Best Short Films; Part of the first annual Punta Gorda Film Festival. Screening at 7 p.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. $15; purchase tickets online at brownpapertickets.com/ event/1085294. 718-510-6929.

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– 15 Spring Bazaar. Arts, crafts and more. 13 and 14: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 15: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cultural Center of Charlotte County. 941-625-4175.

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Sandwich Seminar: Knee and Hip Pain Relief with speaker Mark Davis, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon. Have your questions answered and learn to identify causes, symptoms and treatment options, including the latest procedures for total knee replacement. Free. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association. Register: 941-637-2497.

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Military Heritage Museum hosts Reception for Women in the Military. 4 – 7 p.m. at the Museum, Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda. 941-575-9002.

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Ladies’ Luncheon and Fashion Show. Raffles, prizes, music and more. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.; lunch at 12:30 p.m. $25. Cultural Center of Charlotte County, Port Charlotte. 941-625-4175.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 7

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 8

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Grab Some Shoes, Shake The Blues T

hey are common suggestions to remedy stress: You just need a breath of fresh air. Walk it off. Get out and see people.

Turns out all those things combined may, in fact, make you feel better—a lot better—a new large scale study suggests. Something as simple as joining a walking group may be one of the best ways to improve your overall health.

Group nature walks are linked with significantly lower depression, less perceived stress and enhanced mental health and well-being, according to a study conducted by the University of Michigan with partners in the United Kingdom.

People who had recently experienced stressful life events like a serious illness, death of a loved one, marital separation or unemployment especially seemed to see a mood boost after outdoor group walks.

“Walking is an inexpensive, low risk and accessible form of exercise and it turns out that, combined with nature and group settings, it may be a very powerful, underutilized stress buster,” says Dr. Sara Warber, associate professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School.”

All of this is good news for individuals looking for effective, non-pharmacological ways to help treat conditions like depression.

The physical benefits are also significant, according to a recent report in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Researchers reviewed 42 studies involving nearly 2,000 adults in 14 countries, some of whom had chronic health problems such as arthritis, diabetes, obesity, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

Joining a walking group led to decreases in blood pressure, resting heart rate, body fat, weight and total cholesterol, as well as improvements in overall physical functioning and lung power. And the social aspect of the walking groups was a powerful motivator to get and stay fit. Three-quarters of the walking group participants stuck with the exercise program.

You can reap the same benefits, and it’s easy to start. Try these:

Park and Ranger-guided Walks – Free or low-cost group hikes and guided nature walks are available in many state parks: floridastateparks.org/things-to-do/events.

AVA (American Volkssport Association) – This nationwide, grassroots network has about 300 active clubs for noncompetitive walks, hikes, bike rides, swims and events.

Find a local club at ava.org.

Silver Sneakers – If you’re part of a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement Health plan, you may already have a SilverSneakers membership. This program hosts walking groups, general fitness classes and more. Register/info at silversneakers.com.

Charities and Events – Join a local fun run or fundraising/awareness walk team.

Search on active.com/walking.

Meetup.com – Join a walking club or start your own! Visit walkers.meetup.com.

Local health, community and fitness centers will also offer group walking classes.

So grab your shoes and hit the trails for a healthier, happier you.

(Info from HealthDay, British Journal of Sports Medicine and University of Michigan)

The EASY boArding bicycle by

Question: Where was the very first St. Patrick’s Day parade held?

Your Answer: Send in the correct answer to be entered in a drawing to win a prize valued at $25 or more each month. Deadline for entries Mar. 16, 2015. Drawing held Mar. 20, 2015.

Name Address City

State

Email

Phone

Zip

Mail to: Lifestyles After 50, P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL, 33583

February’s answer is “The Hanging Gardens of Babylon.”

Rodney Rodriguez is February’s winner.

Play more trivia online and win more prizes at www.lifestylesafter50.com

Click on the Trivia Palooza button and answer a Trivia question each week for a chance to win a prize at the end of each month.

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Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 9

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 10

VETERANS CORNER

When Books Went to War

By Janice Doyle

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hen America entered World War II in 1941, we faced an enemy that had banned and burned over 100 million books and caused fearful German citizens to hide or destroy many more.

Outraged American librarians launched a campaign to collect and send books to American military training bases and to troops overseas.

They gathered 20 million hardcover donations for the troops, many of which were not appropriate subject matter (knitting and cooking, for example) and were heavy to ship. Still, the books they shipped were welcomed.

“We need smaller books on subjects soldiers can enjoy,” they said.

In 1943, the War Department and the publishing industry stepped in with an extraordinary program: 120 million small, lightweight paperbacks for troops to carry in their pockets and their rucksacks, in every theater of war.

Comprising 1,200 different titles of every imaginable type, these paperbacks were instant hits with the troops who often had many hours of waiting to deal with. “Soldiers read them while waiting to land at Normandy, in hellish trenches in the midst of battles in the Pacific, in field hospitals and on long bombing flights. They wrote to authors, many of whom responded to every letter,” says one writer. This effort by the Council on Books turned many service members into lifelong readers.

They helped rescue The Great Gatsby from obscurity. Betty Smith’s book A

Tree Grows in Brooklyn became a favorite and she received letters daily from soldiers.

In a new book, When Books Went to War, author Molly Manning traces the history of the program which provided books to troops. She tells stories and quotes letters revealing how much the men loved the books and some of the strange politics that sprang up around the program. Republican senators at one point, hoping to keep servicemen from voting to re-elect Roosevelt, passed a law prohibiting any kind of political references in the books. Pretty much everything, including course material for Army training, includes some kind of political reference. Eventually there was enough flak by servicemen and their families that the politicians adjusted the law.

An impressive part of Manning’s book is about the long-term influence on our culture of getting hundreds of thousands of men to read for pleasure. It turned many men into life-long readers who might not otherwise have done so.

My favorite parts of the book are the stories of the soldiers and sailors who read the books and the letters they wrote about what books meant to them. For example, when American troops stormed Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion of France, they faced a barrage of machine-gun fire and almost certain death. Troops landing on the beach later that day found many badly injured soldiers propped up against the cliffs of Normandy reading books while waiting for medics to arrive. Truly it was when books went to war.

When Books Went to War is yet another tribute to the so-called Greatest Generation.

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Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 11

Grow Your Food: Urban and Small Farm Solutions

By Tracie Lukens

E

ver wanted to try your hand at growing your own food? There are ways to maximize the yield of small growing spaces or urban farms while minimizing cost and incorporating organic practices.

Try these small farm solutions:

1. Earthboxes: Container gardening systems like Earthboxes are portable gardening solutions that work well in small spaces. After initial setup, they last for years with minimal maintenance and use less water and fertilizer than conventional farming methods. Earthbox.com.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 12

2. Hoop Greenhouses: These customizable greenhouses are easy to build, inexpensive and allow you to farm yearround. Plants also gain some protection from pests and the elements.

Find plans/kits online.

3. Aeroponic Farming: In this soilfree growing system, plants are rooted in a vertical container through which a nutrient-rich solution is circulated.

This method conserves space, water and materials. Learn more at vertigro.com.

4. Light, Composting and Rain Barrels: If your space has little or no natural sunlight is available, metal halide lights,

which produce a strong output of the blue spectrum, can fill in.

Use your own compost bin to help dispose of organic waste while building your own soil.

It reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, which can save money and spare the environment. Vermicomposting, which uses a special kind of earthworm to produce compost, can help you build soil in a small space.

Use rain barrels to capture rainwater for irrigation and enjoy the water bill savings!

5. A-Frame Chicken Tractors: These portable, lightweight coops offer grazing and roosting room for a small group of hens and have a small backyard footprint.

Plans/kits available online.

6. Green Roof: If you don’t have a yard, but you have a flat roof other outdoor space that you can modify, a “green roof” might be your

solution. A thin layer of soil or other medium can support a dense mat of plants. You can also start small by setting up a potted garden on a balcony or windowsill.

7. Community Gardens: Talk to your community, HOA or city officials about converting an unused public space, such as a vacant lot, median or a section of a park, into a small garden that residents can use freely.

Growers can earn extra income by selling surplus at community events and farmers markets, or provide charity by donating to food pantries.

8. Extension Offices: Online resources and free or low-cost classes on urban and small space farming are available at your local extension office. Ask the experts for more info on these solutions, tips for pest control, small livestock, plant selection and more: solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu.

Plan Your Summer Escape

By Connie Moody, CTA, DS Senior Cruise Specialist

S

ummertime, especially for full time residents, means travel time. I have asked my colleagues, Susan Valentine and Margo Buttino, where they are going, and I’m also sharing my travel plans. Perhaps you might want to join us on one of our summer escapes.

Susan is headed to Alaska on the Silver Shadow, one of our favorite all-inclusive, deluxe ships. I have been to Alaska seven times myself, and always say, “the smaller the ship, the better the experience.” At 400 passengers, the Silver Shadow visits the usual ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka, but also visits the rarely called upon Nanaimo on the Vancouver Island. This port gives you the opportunity to travel on a 1929 Baldwin steam locomotive through surrounding forests during a 35-minute rail journey to Canada’s only steam-operated sawmill.

Another highlight of this cruise is the Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest excursion in Sitka. I take this excursion every time I cruise Alaska and am always rewarded with whale, eagle, seal and sea otter sightings. The 7-night cruise departs Vancouver on July 7.

Margo is hosting a grand exploration of the British Isles aboard the Crystal Serenity. This comprehensive cruise includes England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland. The ease of flying roundtrip into London makes this especially appealing for passengers who want a convenient gateway to some of Europe’s best culture, history and scenery. A highlight of the cruise is a visit to Portmerion and Snowdonia. Portmerion, the set for the television show, “The Prisoner,” is a beautiful Italianate village on the seacoast. The Snowdonia Forest offers beautiful undisturbed scenery with windy roads and passes. The new Titanic

museum is a must-see for Belfast visitors, and the cruise calls on Londonderry, a less visited port in Northern Ireland.

Other ports of call include Portland, England for Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral, Liverpool for a walk in the steps of the Beatles, Guernsey and Jersey, and Greenock Scotland for a visit to the Highlands and Loch Lomond. The 14-night cruise departs Dover on July 25.

I am cruising the Mediterranean aboard the Regent Seven Seas Mariner, departing from Lisbon on August 17 for a 10 night cruise to Rome. This cruise combines such popular cities as Barcelona, Monte Carlo and Florence with some unique ports of call such as Alicante, St. Tropez and Portofino.

Take the opportunity to visit Seville, the Alhambra, see a performance at an Andaluzian Horse Farm, and rediscover David at the Academia. While away an afternoon sipping coffee and people watching at a seaside café in exotic St. Tropez or explore the walled town of St. Paul de Vence where the Impressionists exchanged valuable paintings for food at La Columbe d’Or. You’ll need Euros or a credit card instead.

Our opportunities to explore the world happen mostly in the summer when Naples operates at a more leisurely pace. If you’re a full timer like us, you might need a summer break and change of scenery too.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 13

Stem Cells Take Center Stage

By David Ebner, Staff Writer

T

he world will never forget the day when four young men from Liverpool, England walked onto the stage of The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964.

The bright stage lights and the squeals from the crowd rained down on the group, and that grainy black and white image was pinned as a major moment in music history.

The introduction of stem cell research to the world stage was not filled with as much fanfare. There were no screaming fans or standing ovations when the first stem cell therapy was conducted in the form of a bone marrow transplant in 1956. The long hours that scientists spent diligently researching and studying cells in laboratories across the world were not recorded in the pages of Life magazine.

Even in 2012, when the two scientists who discovered the application of stem cells as the building blocks for human life won a Nobel Prize, the response was limited to the medical community.

While the history of stem cell research may seem dwarfed in comparison to

that of the Beatles or Elvis Presley, its impact on the healthcare and medical industry is anything but small. Adult stem cells live all over the body, and if extracted and reintroduced to the body,

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they can specialize as whatever type of cell they are near.

For example, if stem cells from a patient’s abdominal fat were removed, isolated and reintroduced to the lungs of the patient with a progressive lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the stem cells would become lung cells.

These new cells would be disease free and would regenerate more disease-free lung cells, inevitably increasing lung function. For someone with a debilitating disease, a stem cell treatment like this could mean the difference between struggling for air and breathing easier.

The staff at the Lung Institute have successfully performed such procedures on over 500 patients.

Many of these patients have shared their personal stories online at www.LungInstitute.com. The Lung Institute’s Medical Director, Dr. Burton Feinerman said, “Stem cells are important because they offer a different approach. Instead of just treating symptoms and making the patient a little more comfortable, stem cells target the disease and can repair the damaged tissue.”

It’s difficult to imagine a medical breakthrough taking center stage over a story about the latest sensation. However, that isn’t to say that life-changing advancements in medical therapies, like stem cell treatments, aren’t occurring every day. The people that have sought these innovative treatments are already seeing these advancements in action, and although they may not be screaming like the crazed Beatles fans of the sixties, the stem cell fan base is growing every day with people that can now breathe easier.

Cataracts… Third Leading Cause Of Blindness In The United States

years. He is pleased to announce that Cataract & Cornea Specialist George Corrent, MD, tudies suggest that everyone who PhD, has joined the lives long enough will get cataFrantz EyeCare medical racts, although there may be some reteam to help with the duced risk if you eat properly, avoid increased demand sun exposure and do not smoke. for bladeless laser As the eye ages, the normal lens inside the eye becomes cloudy Dr. Jonathan Frantz cataract surgery and provide comprehensive preventing the light rays from passing easily through it, and images become ophthalmology care for patients in their blurry, like a window that is frosted or Naples and Fort Myers offices.

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Although cataracts usually develop as part bettervision.net or call 239-418-0999. of the aging process, other causes include Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS, is family history, medical problems, eye injury, or unprotected exposure to sunlight. named in The Guide to America’s Top Many people experience blurry vision; Ophthalmologists. He and his team glare, or light sensitivity; need brighter of doctors at Frantz EyeCare offer light to read, or fading or yellowing a broad spectrum of patient-focused of colors. A thorough eye examination comprehensive care from eye exams can detect a cataract, as well as other and eyewear to bladeless laser cataract conditions that may be causing blurred removal, treatment of eye diseases, bladeless WaveLight LASIK laser vision vision or discomfort.

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Treatments at the Lung Institute use stem cells from the patient’s own body to regenerate new, healthy tissue that improves lung function and quality of life.

Call (855) 313-1150 or visit lunginstitute.com/gamble Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 15

How Using an FTRI “Free” Amplified Telephone Changed My Life Walgreens now offers the Zostavax vaccine for shingles at all of its locations!

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Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 16

L

et’s imagine this scenario: your son calls to ask if you want to go out for dinner, but it sounds like there’s something wrong with the phone line. His voice sounds muffled and distant, too quiet.

“What was that? You sounded muffled,” you say. He repeats himself, but it sounds the same. “Sorry, one more time?” He sighs and asks you to dinner once more.

Finally you hear and understand his invitation but you also hear frustration in his voice. And it’s not the first time this has happened; you noticed the same thing when your best friend, coworker, other family members and doctor called.

You are tired of asking everyone to repeat what they said. Eventually you stop answering the phone because it’s too frustrating, too painful to continue straining to understand the conversation.

Unfortunately, that is an all-toocommon problem. In fact, millions of people suffer with hearing loss, yet only 20 percent do something about it. What the remaining 80 percent might not know is that, in addition to causing frustration and isolation, untreated hearing loss leads to a higher probability of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and falling.

Thankfully, the Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) program offers a solution for Florida residents experiencing hearing loss. FTRI distributes a variety of amplified telephones to qualified Florida residents to ensure that they’re able to have the best quality of life at no cost. The no cost rationale was made possible with the passage of Florida’s Telecommunications Access Systems Act of 1991 that implements the current eleven cents surcharge on all landlines in Florida. This not-for-profit program serves any eligible Florida residents over the age of three with a certified hearing loss or speech-challenge that has a working landline at home.

It sounds too good to be true, but it applies to three million Floridians with varying degrees of hearing loss. Florida resident Donald Hoover knows how invaluable his amplified telephone is. “I was unable to use a phone until now,” he explained. “It has changed my life.”

Thanks to ClearSounds technology, he is finally able to hear and understand conversations using an amplified telephone.

Do not let hearing loss come between you and your loved ones—reconnect today with the FTRI amplified telephone program! Call 800-222-3448 or visit www.ftri.org/ClearSounds1 to request an application. Do you know a Floridian friend or family member having trouble hearing on the phone? Share and pass it along one of Florida’s open secrets. Florida is speaking up for better communication!

If you are experiencing trouble with your current FTRI phone, have a change in your hearing or no longer need your FTRI phone, please contact FTRI’s Customer Care at 888-554-1151. FTRI is a statewide nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization that administers the distribution of specialized telecommunications equipment for all Floridians with a hearing loss or speech challenge. A surcharge applied to landline subscribers funds the program as mandated by Florida’s Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991. #KeepFloridaConnected

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Stay Off the Sidelines During “Spring Training”

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s spring returns to Southwest Florida this month, many people will take the opportunity to enjoy the good weather while taking part in one of our many outdoor sports. Golf, tennis, jogging, bicycling and many other outdoor recreational activities are one of the biggest benefits of living in Florida.

But jumping into a new sport can leave you on the sidelines if you aren’t prepared. Before you start up your “spring training” exercise regimen—especially if you’re going from a fairly sedentary lifestyle to a more active one—keep these tips from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons in mind: 1. Start slow. If you’re haven’t gotten a lot of exercise recently, don’t immediately set your sights on a marathon. It takes time to build up muscle strength and stamina. Warming up and cooling down before and after your exercise, along with gentle stretching, keeps muscles and joints flexible.

2. Keep it varied. If you try to swing a golf club or a tennis racquet every day of the week, you’re likely to end up with sore joints and muscles. Mix up your routines so you aren’t using the same muscles and joints intensely every day.

3. Don’t forget the benefit of rest. If you find yourself in sharp pain after a workout, your body’s trying to tell you you’re going too fast. As you schedule your workouts, make sure to leave time on the schedule for your muscle tissue to heal and rebuild, particularly if you’re starting up your exercise routine after a long period of relative inactivity.

4. Don’t forget your annual physical.

If you’re over the age of 50 or have had major health issues, see your doctor before you start an intense exercise regimen to make sure it’s appropriate for you. Your doctor can also let you know what types of exercise might be most beneficial for you.

5. This is Florida—don’t forget the sunscreen and water. Even in spring, the sun beats down strongly, and it’s easy to get dehydrated quickly.

Repetitive motions are the most common sports-related injuries. Tennis elbow, swimmer’s shoulder, and stress fractures and shin splints in runners are some of the most common injuries seen by orthopedic

surgeons. Repetitive trauma caused by overuse of the joints can lead to soreness and injury in a short amount of time.

Tendonitis is one of the most common culprits, leading to issues like golfer’s and tennis elbow. The tendon in the elbow swells and becomes inflamed after repetitive stress, which leads to pain, redness and tenderness. The bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac between the tendon, muscle and bone, may also become inflamed. Swimmer’s shoulder is often caused by tendonitis of the rotator cuff in the shoulder joint.

Shin splints and stress fractures are common injuries for runners. Stress fractures are tiny “micro-cracks” in the bone that result from the muscles being stressed beyond their ability to absorb the shock of impact when the foot hits the ground.

Instead, the bone itself absorbs the sock of impact, and the force results in tiny fractures. Shin splints are caused by irritation and stress to the area of the leg where the calf muscle attaches to the shinbone.

Many of the most common sports injuries offer warning signs before they become too serious. Swelling, reduced range of motion, numbness and tingling, muscle tenderness and joint pain are indications of trauma to the body. Often, simple treatments such as resting, applying hot or cold compresses and taking over-the-counter pain relievers are enough to improve the symptoms. If the pain persists, however, or if it prevents you from enjoying your favorite athletic activity, make an appointment to speak with an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible. More intensive therapies, such as anti-inflammatory medications or injections or physical therapy, may be required to address the issue.

More serious problems may require arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment by an experienced orthopedic surgeon.

If you have concerns about sports injuries or other orthopedic disorders, Dr. John C. Kagan and his team are ready to answer your questions.

With offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres, Athletic Orthopedic and Reconstructive Center (AORC) is devoted to providing the highest level of quality care and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and nerves.

AORC specializes in total joint replacement, fracture care, sports medicine, hand surgery, neurology, podiatry and general orthopedics. For more info, call 239-936-6778 or visit www.bone-fix.com.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 19

MEDICARE ANSWERS

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Should I Apply For A MSP? D ear Marci, I think my monthly income is a little over the income limit for a Medicare Savings Program. Should I still apply anyway? —Alexander Dear Alexander, yes, even if your income is above the guidelines for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), you should still apply. You may still qualify for an MSP because certain income and assets may not count.

Each state has its own formula for counting your income and assets to determine eligibility for an MSP. In all states, the following income is never counted: • The first $20 of all income • The first $65 of monthly wages • One-half of your monthly wages (after the $65 is deducted) • Food stamps Some states may not count other income, and/or may exclude things from your income, such as the money you use to pay health insurance premiums (like Part B premiums). Also, if there are more than two people in your household, the

monthly income limit may be higher in some states.

In all states, the following assets are never counted:

• Your primary house • Your car • Household goods and wedding/ engagement rings • Burial funds for you and your spouse valued up to $1,500 each • Life insurance with a cash value of less than $1,500 • Many states do not count other types of assets. Some states have no asset test.

To find out your state’s guidelines for determining eligibility for an MSP, contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

To find the contact information for your SHIP, you can go online and visit www.shiptalk.org. —Marci Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (www. medicarerights.org), the nation’s largest independent source of information and assistance for people with Medicare.

Sleepy? Reset Your Internal Clock

By Mike Sesma, National Institutes of Health

F

eeling tired and out-of-sorts this week? Springing clocks forward by an hour on March 8, traveling across time zones, staring at a computer screen late at night or working the third shift are just a few examples of activities that can disrupt our daily, or circadian, rhythms. Circadian rhythms are physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle, responding primarily to light and darkness in an organism’s environment. They influence our physiology and behavior, and they’re driven by our body’s network of tiny timekeepers. Four facts about our internal clocks:

1. The biological clocks that control circadian rhythms are groupings of interacting molecules in cells throughout the body. A “master clock” in the brain coordinates all the body clocks so that they are in synch.

2. Nearly everything about how our body works is tied to biological clocks. Our clocks influence alertness, hunger, metabolism, fertility, mood and other physiological conditions. For this reason, clock dysfunction is associated with various disorders, including insomnia, diabetes and depression.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 20

3. Every organism has them—from algae to zebras, and many of the clock genes and proteins are similar across species, allowing researchers to make findings about human circadian processes by studying organisms like fruit flies, bread mold and plants.

4. Whether we’re awake or asleep, our clocks keep ticking. While they might get temporarily thrown off by changes in light or temperature, (or time and distance, in the case of jet lag) our clocks usually can reset themselves.

Reset Your Clocks Sometimes it can take up to two weeks to get back on schedule. Some helpful tips: • Establish a relaxing pre-sleep ritual, such as reading or listening to calm music.

• Make sure the bedroom is quiet, dark and free of the bright lights and stimulation of TVs and other electronics. · • Avoid large meals, alcohol (3 hours) and caffeine (6 hours) before bed.

• Exercise earlier in the day.

• Keep the same bedtime and wake time each day, even on weekends.

• Get more sun exposure in the morning and avoid light at night.

RETIREMENT LIVING

There’s Nothing Better Than Home Cooking

O

• Keep things interesting by experimenting with healthy recipes and looking for ways to make your favorite recipes healthier. For example, use the low-fat or reduced-fat version of dairy products like cheese and milk or replace sour-cream with low-fat or fat-free yogurt. Also use spices and herbs to add more flavor instead of adding salt or fat.

ver the last few decades, Americans have been eating out more and cooking at home less often. But when you cook at home, you can make better choices about what and how much you eat and drink than you do when eating out. A study targeted to the 65+ demographic published in a Cambridge University journal finds that people who cook up to five times a week were 47 percent more likely to still be alive after 10 years.

Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore; it can also be a fun activity and a way to spend time with family and friends, as well as a way to discover new recipes and take an active role in your health.

Check out these tips for wholesome, easy home cooking: Calcium: Bone health is a serious concern, and maintaining strong bones depends on calcium. Seniors require 1,200mg of calcium a day. This can be achieved through milk, yogurts and cheeses. Patients with a dairy allergy can opt for tofu, broccoli and almonds.

Cooking for health

As we age, our bodies change. The dietary needs that sustained us in our 40s no longer suffice as we hit our 70s and 80s. Staying mentally and physically healthy requires a multifold approach and too many seniors overlook the need for nutritional counseling.

A healthy meal starts with more vegetables and fruits and smaller portions of protein and grains. You don’t have to eat from every food group at each meal, but thinking about the food groups can help you build a healthy meal.

Here are five foods every senior citizen needs to incorporate daily.

Grains: To maximize fiber intake, choose whole grains over processed white flour. We need between six and seven ounces of grains a day. One slice of whole grain bread is equal to one ounce of grains.

Protein: Seniors should aim for 1 to 1 1/2 grams of protein for every 2.2 lbs of body weight. Protein sources should be divided throughout the various meals.

Each meal should contain between 25 and 40 grams of protein; anything less won’t assist in bone and muscle health.

Protein sources include fish, beans, peas, eggs, nuts and seeds.

• Use free resources. What’s Cooking?

USDA Mixing Bowl (whatscooking.fns. usda.gov) is an interactive tool that helps with healthy meal planning, cooking and grocery shopping. The site features a searchable database of healthy recipes, options to build a cookbook, print recipe cards, and share recipes via social media.

For more tips, or for information on daily food plans, nutrition and more, visit choosemyplate.gov.

Kitchen Timesavers

T

ry these kitchen timesavers to cut back on time and make less work for you. By taking the stress and hassle out of cooking, you’ll have more time to enjoy it and to spend with your loved ones.

Organize your kitchen. Keep frequently used items such as cooking oils/sprays, spatulas, cutting boards, and spices within easy reach. This will save you from having to search for them later.

Clear the clutter. Before you start cooking, clear off your counters. This allows more room for prep space.

Chop extra. When chopping up veggies for a meal, chop more than you need.

Take the extra, place in a reusable container and freeze. Then next time you need it, you can skip a step.

Fruit: We should be getting at least 1 1/2 servings of fruit a day as a bare minimum. Fruit servings should not take the form of juices! By opting for juices instead of the actual fruit, we are missing out on more than half the needed fiber and vitamins.

Get started cooking more often Vegetables: Older adults should opt at home: for vegetables that are rich in antioxidants. These include dark, leafy greens like kale and spinach, as well as orange and yellow vegetables such as carrots and squash. Two to three cups of vegetables daily is the general guideline for seniors.

• Make cooking a social event.

Grandkids love to be in the kitchen; involve them with the prep work.

This will help to teach them about healthy eating and give you an opportunity to bond.

Or, make it a potluck. Potlucks are a great option for large families. Prepare a side dish and let each family member make the rest. It creates less work for you and allows everyone to make and sample each other’s creations.

• Plan ahead to make things easier. Keep healthy staples on hand, such as dried fruit, whole wheat pasta, “no-salt-added” canned vegetables and frozen seafood. Try prepping dishes the night before, or the morning of; prepping the salad or the side dish can help save time later on. Also, try cooking a big meal on Sunday and then freezing extras or eating it as leftovers throughout the week.

If you don’t usually cook, start by eating one more meal at home each week than you normally do, and work up to cooking more often. You may save calories and money! Cooking does take time, but there are several things that you can do to make it easier:

Have everything in place. Grab all ingredients needed for your meal— vegetables chopped, spices measured, and meats thawed. It will be easier to spot missing items and avoid skipping steps.

Double your recipe. For your next casserole or stew, try doubling the recipe and freezing the extra. You’ll save time and make cooking next week’s dinner a snap!

Clean as you go. Fill up the sink with soapy water and wash the dishes as you cook. It’ll make clean up go much smoother!

Save some for later. Freeze leftover soups, sauces or gravies in small reusable containers.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 21

LivMD: Making Waves In The Research Community I f ten minutes per day and something the size of a bathroom scale could make you healthier, wouldn’t you try it? Marodyne Medical, a research and development company that specializes in interventions for illness, disease and injury, created LivMD, a device that uses low-intensity vibration to benefit your whole body—in just ten minutes daily.

Developed by Marodyne Medical’s Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Clinton Rubin, LivMD, cleared by the FDA as a Class 1 medical device, is designed to help you maintain overall wellness through the use of low-intensity vibration. By standing on LivMD for ten minutes daily, the low-intensity vibrations “...improve localized circulation during use, strengthen and recondition those under-going rehab, restore motion to joints, redevelop muscles, assist as an adjunct treatment for obesity and relieve aches and pains throughout the body,” according to Marodyne Medical.

“The vision of Dr. Rubin, the founder of Marodyne and scientist behind LivMD technology, is to offer the world

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 22

a safe, convenient, non-drug, scientifically proven approach to maintaining musculoskeletal health and wellness,” said Patrick Foote, Chief Operating Officer of Marodyne Medical.

LivMD has more than 25 years of scientific research developing low-intensity vibration technology from esteemed institutions such as NASA and National Institutes of Health. The research was “initially focused on maintaining and improving bone density and treatment of osteoporosis for various age groups,” Foote said.

The past ten years of research, however, have shown that lowintensity vibrations may aid in much more than bone health.

Dr. Clinton Rubin, Distinguished Professor and Chair “Most recent information is of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University showing that these low-level According to Marodyne Medical, vibratory signals may be helpful to improving neurocognitive challenges not only is LivMD the product of facing humans, helping to overcome nearly three decades of low-intensity neuromuscular weaknesses, particularly vibration research, the device or one of as a result of aging or infirmity,” its prototypes has been used in studies all over the world that focused on “maintain Foote said.

or improving bone quality, mobility and balance, back pain relief, and wound-healing.

Visit Marodyne.com or www.LivMD.US to learn more about low-intensity vibration technology and how Marodyne’s LivMD may improve your health.

“The vision of Dr. Rubin, the founder of Marodyne and scientist behind LivMD technology, is to offer the world a safe, convenient, non-drug, scientifically proven approach to maintaining musculoskeletal health and wellness...”

Is Your Revocable Living Trust Feeling Empty? The Importance of Trust Funding… the trust whereas “qualified” assets like 401Ks and o this is a huge topic for cliother assets like ents and professionals alike. annuities may be Trust Funding is the process directed to the Trust of re-titling your assets so through the benefias to put the name of your ciary designation. revocable trust on them rather I cannot stress than your name. enough that this is Your Trust will likely be named an area that requires something like the John and expert legal counsel Jane Doe Family Living Trust. because there are So if you re-titled an asset, the always specific name might be John and Jane Steven J. Gibbs, Esq. issues that arise Doe, Trustees of the John and when considering Jane Doe Family Living Trust.

People often become confused about whether to name an asset in your Trust. whether the asset title should be re- All of this assumes that your Trust named as the Trust or whether a change was properly drafted so as to in beneficiary should be used. Assets accommodate all kinds of assets such like bank accounts and corporate stock as IRAs, 401Ks, Life Insurance, and may be re-titled into the Trust or may be S Corporation Stock.

I hope this clarifies any confusion transferred by a “transfer upon death” provision. Generally, “non-qualified” about the Trust Funding jargon out there assets may be re-titled into the name of and as always, until next time... —SJG Hello, Friends and Colleagues!

S

Famous Birthdays

D

o you share a March birthday with someone famous? Here are a few:

Dana Owens Bruce Willis, 60 “Queen Latifah,” 45 on March 19 on March 18

Chuck Norris, 75 on March 10

Sarah Jessica Parker, 50 on March 25

Albert Einstein;

(1879 – 1955) Mar. 14

Steven Tyler, 67 on March 26

FREE SEMINAR - HOT ESTATE PLANNING TOPICS IN 2015!

March 19, 5:30 p.m., Main Level Conference Room - Atrium Building, 8695 College Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33908. Wine, Cheese and Other Refreshments Provided! To RSVP, please call 239-415-7495 or e-mail info@yourcircleoftrust.com AND include the number of people attending!

8695 College Parkway, Suite #2012 Fort Myers, FL 33919 www.YourCircleofTrust.com Phone: 239-415-7495 E-mail: info@yourcircleoftrust.com Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 23

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Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 24

The Healthy Geezer

“postprandial hypotension,” or, in layman’s language, low blood pressure after a meal. This is a senior malady; few younger people experience this.

Other possible symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, nausea and fainting. I recommend going to a doctor to have your symptoms checked.

When you eat, blood pours into your digestive system. To maintain your blood pressure, your heart pumps more often and your blood vessels constrict.

But these compensatory mechanisms don’t work for some people.

To help prevent postprandial hypotension, eat small portions several times a day and limit high-carbohydrate foods such as potatoes, rice, pasta and bread.

There’s another form of low blood pressure called “postural hypotension” that affects some people when they stand up. Also called “orthostatic hypotension,” this is especially common in older adults who are more likely to use high blood pressure drugs. When you experience postural hypotension, blood pools in your legs.

Low blood pressure is commonly caused by drugs for high blood pressure, surgical medications, anti-anxiety agents, diuretics, heart medicines, antidepressants, narcotic painkillers and alcohol.

Other causes of low blood pressure include dehydration, heart failure, heart arrhythmias, shock from infection, stroke, severe allergic reaction, major trauma, heart attack and advanced diabetes.

The effects of hypotension can lead to falls, which can be serious for seniors.

Here are some pointers for avoiding the dangers of low blood pressure: When arising, let your feet hang over the side of your bed. Then flex your toes up and down about a dozen times.

Stand up slowly. Count to 10 before you start walking. This is a good idea whenever you get up from lying or sitting for more than 20 minutes.Crossing your legs while sitting upright may also help increase blood pressure.

Some experts define low blood pressure as readings lower than 90

systolic (the first number) or 60 diastolic (the second number). However, low blood pressure is relative, so doctors often define blood pressure as too low only if there are symptoms.

In many instances, low blood pressure isn’t serious. However, it is important to see your doctor if you have hypotension symptoms, because they sometimes can point to serious problems. Chronic low blood pressure may increase the risk of Alzheimer’stype dementia in some older adults.

Low blood pressure without symptoms rarely requires treatment.

In symptomatic cases, doctors address the primary problems such as heart failure. When hypotension is drug-induced, treatment usually involves altering the drug regimen.

It is possible to raise blood pressure when that is required.

Here are some ways:

• Eating more salt. However, too much sodium can cause heart failure, especially among seniors.

Don’t increase your salt without consulting with your doctor.

• Drink more water. Fluids increase blood volume and help prevent dehydration.

• Compression stockings used to treat varicose veins may help reduce the pooling of blood in your legs.

• There are also medications your doctor may prescribe.

If you would like to ask a question, write to fred@healthygeezer.com.

All Rights Reserved © 2014 by Fred Cicetti.

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Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 25

Word Search Answers From February

Pat Porter is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

Word Search March

Last Month’s Answers

February Sudoku

Anne Marshlow is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

Win Great Prizes!

New winner selected each month

In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the space provided at the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all directions – forwards, backwards, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. An example is given to get you started. Can you find the twenty answers in this puzzle?

Good Luck!

Mar. Sudoku

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. Good luck! The first correct answers selected from the drawing on March 20 will win.

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: NEWS CONNECTION USA, INC. P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES! Sudoku muST bE REcEIvEd by mAR. 20, 2015 Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 26

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: News CoNNeCtioN UsA, iNC. P.o. BoX 638, seFFNeR, FL 33583

The first correct answers selected from the drawing on March 20 will win.

Mystery Prize!

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

Mystery Prize!

(Puzzles must be received by March 20, 2015.)

See Florida By Kayak J

oin GAEA Guides on one of their kayak nature tours this month. For info and reservations, call 239-694-5513.

12

Telegraph Creek Kayak Tour. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit this ancient creek with headwaters in the Babcock Ranch and see some strange, exotic animals! $40/person includes gear and guide.

13

Mangrove Mazes of Matlacha Pass 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. See “Nature’s Cathedrals.”and the wildlife that

lives in these mysterious tunnels. $50/ person includes gear and guide.

Mar. 17

16

Useppa Island Archeological Kayak Tour. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A special kayak tour to private Pine Island. Visit Useppa Island’s museum which details 10,000 years of human habitation on Useppa. Eat lunch at the historic Collier Inn and see the beautiful flora and fauna of the island. $85 per person (includes parking and entry fee to the museum, lunch and equipment).

From Your Friends At

Ladies To Catch Fishing Skills Pedal and Play in Paradise

“L

adies, Let’s Go Fishing!”® will host the Matlacha/Ft. Myers Fishing University for women, March 14 – 15, 2015 at Matlacha Community Park, 4577 Pine Island Road N.W., Matlacha.

Women and teens can learn and practice fishing at several hands-on skill stations, then have an option to charter fish inshore from boats and kayaks on Sunday. Registration starts

at $69 and includes networking reception and fundraisers, classes, hands on practice and more.

Guided fishing on Sunday is additional.

New for 2015 is the Ladies’ Choice option to bring a male guest or invite teens to include the whole family.

To register, contact 954-475-9068 or visit ladiesletsgofishing.com.

O

n March 28, grab your bike and head to Laishley Park Pavilions on Charlotte Harbor, 100 Nesbit Street in historic Punta Gorda at 7 a.m. for a fun-filled day of rides for different experience levels: Chose from four different routes that suit your riding interest and ability: • 62-Mile “Metric Century” Tour • 30-Mile Tour • 15-Mile Tour • Mystery Ride Tour (a whodunit)

All morning rides feature ride support, snacks and drinks, bathroom facilities and phone numbers in case of an emergency. Rest stops will be open until 12:30. Return to Laishley Park for a post-race party with lunch and free beer before the optional afternoon City Manager’s/History Tour ride.

Entry fees range from $10 – $45. Register online up to the 25th, or in person on the day of the event. Register by March 15 for a free T-shirt. Call 941-637-8326 or visit pedalandplayinparadise.com.

The Magical Basics of All Golf Shots Consistency in landing your target is gained through mastering these seven fundamentals:

By Kalliope Barlis

T

he sole purpose of a round of golf is to enjoy yourself while having a score that you’re happy with by the time you make your last putt on the 18th hole.

You can start making this happen by stating to yourself or out loud what you plan on scoring before you get to the first tee. This leads your brain into accomplishing what you tell it to.

Every pilot has a destination that they eventually land. The brain works the same way. Aim your brain by stating in positive language what it is that you want: “I am going to score 72 today.”

It’s not about what you don’t want, it’s about what you do want, and saying it ignites the brain’s pathways to achieve it. I’ve heard people say “I just don’t want to mess up.” Well, that doesn’t

1. Decide where you want the ball to land or roll specifically. Always have your target in mind.

2. Have a firm yet passive hold of the club in your hands.

3. Have precise aim with your club face and alignment of your body. really say much to signal the brain other than confusion. Being more specific about what you do want, and visualizing it beforehand, triggers all the right juices in the brain to get your next hole in one.

The following magical basics are the foundation of any golf shot. Master them. If you don’t, your body will compensate. Maintain them, and your ball will reach your target.

4. Your eyes are focused on the center of the back of the ball where the center of the club face strikes through. In the sand, your eyes are focused one to two inches behind the ball on the sand.

5. Maintain balance while striking through the ball to the end of your follow-through.

6. Face your outcome. Watch the ball land until it comes to a resting position.

7. If the ball lands where you intended, celebrate the outcome internally or with a fist in the air and remember what you did. If the ball did not do what you intended, sense what you can do differently and make the adjustments necessary for the next shot.

If you tell your brain what you want and combine it with these fundamental skills, you will dramatically improve your game with practice.

Kalliope Barlis is an NLP Coach, Master Practitioner and Trainer, Doctor of Acupuncture, Golf Improvement Specialist and author of the guide “Play Golf Better Faster,” which can be purchased on her website: www.PlayGolfBetterFaster.com.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 27

Seniors Getting Together WOMEN SEEKING MEN 4119 SEEKING CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., widow, slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and exercises. Likes sports and animals. Loves the Lord. Florida.

4427 Experienced male dance partner wanted for social ballroom dancing and lessons together. No fat or overweight men. 60’s. No beginners.

Serious inquiries only. Must be 5’9’’ or taller. NS. I am a 67YY, W, F, 5’3”.

4419 FRIENDSHIP! 5’5” W, widow ISO W, widower, R, P, in late 70’s – 80’s. I am R, P, NS, SD, enjoy music, art, dancing, walking, have a good SOH. Am sports fan, dress well and still get 2nd glances.

Estero-bonita springs area.

4433 I’M NOT DEAD YET! Female.

In May I’ll be 92. Would like a sincere friend. Other than that my purpose is just a true friend. Fort myers area.

4439 FRIENDly widow WF, 5’2”, 130 lbs, good health. ISO widower able to travel, active, good health, 70-80 YY, likes RV life, NS, likes music, dancing.

Lehigh area.

4450 INTERESTED IN EVERLASTING LOVE AND MARRIAGE I am an intelligent, beautiful, Christian lady who likes a faithful, Christian gentleman 39 – 74. NS, ND, NDrg. Please write and send recent photo.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN 4421 Attractive, in shape, 57YO, athletic build, good values, good listener, financially secure, conscientious and considerate. I enjoy travel, adventure, sports, movies, music and fun. ISO lady with similar interests.

4428 Man, 70, D, NS, SD, likes movies, music, books, animals, plants, going out for a drink and a bite, takes Bible classes and a Spanish class. ISO woman, 55 – 73, NS, NDrg, SD, for FF, who likes to sit at the bar and have conversation over a drink, affection—kissing, touching, hugging, and has nice legs. Port Charlotte area.

4434 GENTLEMAN 74 YEARS OLD looking for a Filipina friend that likes nice restaurants. I want to get married if we fall in love. I have blue eyes. Port Charlotte area.

4441 INCESSANT, PASSIONATE, FAITHFUL, GENUINE, Dare to think and be young again. Age is merely a number. Pure

romantic (real) love is totally cerebral and emotional. I am building a home in the B.V.I. on the beach. Dare to be there with me!

4451 I AM 84 YEARS YOUNG (that’s what everyone tells me) and a widower.

Looking for LTR. I like sports, dogs and cats. Love and romance possible. ISO lady, fun loving, C, F, NS, SD, NDrg. Please write. Fort Myers Area.

4452 MAN, 71, NS, SD Likes music, movies, books, plants, animals, evening classes. ISO woman, 55 – 72, NS, NDrg, SD for FF, who looks good in shorts or a skirt, likes bicycle riding, kissing, touching, hugging, going out to a pub for a bite and light social drinking. Port Charlotte Area.

Commonly Used Abbreviations: F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WWWidow, A-Asian, B-Black, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old, YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOHSense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NS-Non Smoker, ND-Non Drinker, SD-Social (Light) Drinker, DR-Drinks, NDrg- No Drugs, LTR-Long Term Relationship, HWP-Height & Weight Proportional, R-Retired, P-Professional, FF-Friendship First, TLC-Tender Loving Care.

To PLACE An AD

Send your ad, stating what category you would like it placed in, your edition(s), along with a $6 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each additional word, abbreviations not charged) to the News Connection USA, Inc. address listed below. Ads received by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue. No more than three ads will be accepted each month per person. The editor reserves the right to edit any ads for space or content. In order to protect our readers’ privacy, we will not include phone numbers, e-mail or home addresses in the ad copy. City or area included at no charge.

To Respond To An Ad

Write a letter to the person you want to contact. Place that letter in a stamped envelope and write the ad number on the bottom left hand side of the envelope. Place your stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each letter enclosed, into another envelope and address it to: News Connection USA, Inc. Seniors Getting Together P.O. Box 638,Seffner, FL 33584

RUN YOUR AD FOR ONLY $6 A MONTH

SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER Personal Ad Placement

Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month prior to placement.

Only $6 to place an ad!

Mark The Edition(s) You Would Like To Run Your Ad In: Hillsborough & Suncoast (Pinellas/Pasco) Lake/Marion Counties Southwest/Charlotte (Fort Myers/Port Charlotte)

Ad Copy • Please Print Neatly • 30 Word Limit Title (First 4 Words):

City (No Charge):

If more room is needed, please use separate sheet. Mail this form along with $6 for each ad per month (add $4 for each additional edition/market in the same month).

We cannot accept your ad without it. This information is confidential.

Name: Address: City: Phone:

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MAIL TO: ATTN. / SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER, NEWS CONNECTION, USA, INC. • P.O. BOX 638., SEFFNER, FL 33583 Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 28

Join The Grande Dames Tea Y

ou’re invited to the Grande Dames Tea presented by the PACE Center for Girls of Lee County this month.

The Grande Dames Tea will honor Sharlene Hamel Dozier of Fort Myers, M. Jacqueline McCurdy of Bonita Springs and Melvin Morgan of Fort Myers on Friday, March 20 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Broadway Palm at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

This is the seventh year of the historic Grande Dames Tea, which was originated by PACE Center for Girls of

Lee County to honor women who have played major roles in Southwest Florida history through decades of service, philanthropy and helping others.

“Our theme of ‘The Wisdom of Age – Honoring the Female Spirit’ is so appropriate because each of these women has much to share from her own life’s journey,” says event co-chair Mary Fischer.

Seats for the tea are $60 per person; reserve at www.pacecenter.org/lee or 239-470-7648. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite tea party hat.

MEMORIES WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS ARE PRICELESS. DON’T LET MACULAR DEGENERATION TAKE THEM AWAY.

A CURE IS IN SIGHT.

Blind spots or blurry vision aren’t necessarily signs of old age. More than 10 million people in the U.S. are affected by Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50. The Foundation Fighting Blindness provides information about diagnosing and managing AMD, so you can continue enjoying time with your grandchildren.

To learn more and for a free AMD information packet, call 800-434-1974 or visit FightBlindness.org.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 38

Lifestyles After After 50 50 •• March March 2015 2015 •• page page 23 29 R R Lifestyles

Tech Talk: Pixstar FotoConnect XD

W Last Month’s Answers

Enter to Win!

Enter To Win!

This month’s Last Month’s Winner Is Jessie Miller winner is Congratulations!

Myron L. Guisewite Congratulations !!!

elcome to this month’s Tech Talk column, where we cover the latest apps, gadgets and websites that make life a little easier.

We’re giving away the 10.4” Pixstar FotoConnect XD Wi-fi this month. With Pix-Star, you can take a photo on your mobile device and send it by email straight to this video picture frame at home. You can also receive photos by email directly on your Pix-Star frame, or send photos from your Pix-Star directly to your friends’ email, no computer required.

The frame allows you display and stock photos with 4 GB of internal memory.

You can use it to display your online pictures, link your external web albums (Facebook, Flickr, Google+, RSS photo feeds, etc...) and display their content on your frame. You can control which photos display with a remote control.

The Pixstar Fotoconnect XD also includes fun features like the ability to listen to your favorite web radio stations, create your own playlists, manage contacts or check the weather. The digital frame is available at amazon.com and pix-star.com.

Send your answers for a drawing. First correct answers selected from the drawing on Mar. 20 will receive $20 cash!

Send to: News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583 Personal Health & Fitness Home Improvements Automobiles

Name Address City

Age

Phone

E-mail

State Zip

SW

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 30

Congratulations!

To last month’s winner: Ardella Hutchins of Ocala She won the Leuchtturm Notebooks!

N

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

Insurance Elder Law / Financial Housing Options Reverse Mortgages

Send us your name, address and phone number by March 19. The drawing will be held on March 20, and the winner will be contacted and announced in the March issue of Lifestyles After 50. Look for more giveaways in upcoming editions. Good luck!

By Daryl Rosenthal Public Affairs Specialist, Tampa ow is the time to prepare for tax season! Whether you are a retiree or a newlywed, here are some Social Security tax tips that may help you.

I want information on: Travel / Cruises Recreation / Leisure Entertainment / Events

Attn: Digital Picture Frame News Connection USA, Inc. P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

Social Security Q & A: Tax Season

Last Month’s Answers

We’re giving away a Pixstar FotoConnect XD to one lucky winner this month (a $150 value!) To enter, just email editor@lifestyles after50.com or snail mail us at:

Are Social Security benefits taxable?

Yes, for some people with higher incomes. About one third of those receiving Social Security benefits must pay taxes on some of their Social Security benefits, depending on the amount of their taxable income. Learn more at socialsecurity.gov/planners/taxes.htm.

Will I get a tax form for my Social Security benefits?

Yes. Beneficiaries should have received their Social Security Benefit Statements (Form SSA-1099) for tax year 2014 on or before January 31, 2015. If you receive Social Security and haven’t received your 1099 yet, you can request one online at socialsecurity.gov/1099.

I got married last year. Do I need to report my name change to Social Security?

Yes. If you’ve legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, court order, or for any other reason, make sure you

change your name with Social Security, as well as with your employer, to make sure your earnings are properly recorded. This will ensure you get the Social Security benefits you are entitled to. Failing to do so could also cause a delay in your receipt of any federal income tax refund. Learn more about how to change your name at socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

Does Social Security have any tips at this time of year for those filing their taxes?

Yes. We encourage you to carefully check: your name, Social Security number, and all data on your W-2s; your online Social Security Statement; and your Social Security card to make sure they all match. A mismatch could delay your tax refund and cause problems with future Social Security benefits. If you notice an error, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or if the info on the W-2 is incorrect, notify your employer.

For more info, visit socialsecurity.gov.

“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.”

— J. Fitzgerald, VA

Remote Controls for Heat, Massage, Recline and Lift

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Our Perfect Sleep Chair® is just the chair to do it all. It’s a chair, true – the finest of lift chairs – but this chair is so much more! It’s designed to provide total comfort and relaxation not no found in other chairs. It can’t be beat for comfortable, long-term sitting, TV viewing, relaxed reclining and – yes! – peaceful sleep. Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of positions, including the Trendelenburg position and the zero gravity position where your body experiences a minimum of internal and external stresses. You’ll love the other benefits, too: It helps with correct spinal alignment, promotes back This lift chair pressure relief, and encourages better puts you safely posture to prevent back and muscle pain. on your feet!

And there’s more! The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. The high and low heat settings along with the dozens of massage settings, can provide a soothing relaxation you might get at a spa – just imagine getting all that in a lift chair!

Shipping charge includes white glove delivery. Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! Includes one year service warranty. Your choice of fabrics and colors – Call now!

The Perfect Sleep Chair® Call now toll free for our lowest price.

Please mention code 60778 when ordering.

46371

We’ve e’ve all had nights when we just can’t lie down in bed and sleep, whether it’s from heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back aches – it could be a variety of reasons. Those are the nights we’d give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in, one that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises feet and legs to precisely the desired level, supports the head and shoulders properly, operates easily even in the dead of night, and sends a hopeful sleeper right off to dreamland.

Sit up, lie down — and anywhere in between!

1-888-632-7056 Long Lasting DuraLux Leather DuraLux II Microfiber

Burgundy

Chocolate

Tan

Cashmere

Fern

Burgundy

Chocolate

Indigo

© 2015 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2015 • page 31

S H E L L P O I N T Fort Myers, Florida

U ncompromised L ifestyLes | r esort - styLe amenities | s tate - of - the - art h eaLthcare

Change

is in the

Air!

A lot’s been happening at Shell Point, the leader in resort-style retirement living.

From our new neighborhood, The Estuary, to a brand new product offering a refundable entrance fee, now is the best time to visit Shell Point to learn all about what’s new. What hasn’t changed is that since 1968, Shell Point Retirement Community has set the standard for retirement living in Southwest Florida. Located in Fort Myers, just minutes from Sanibel Island and the Gulf of Mexico, Shell Point’s waterfront location is unmatched for beauty. But, what truly sets Shell Point apart is the sense of community our residents enjoy as they explore the variety of resort-style amenities, events, and activities together.

Make new friends and share a lifetime of memories at Shell Point.

Explore Shell Point Today! Attend a FREE Informational Presentation. !

FREE

We’re holding a series of presentations where you can have all your questions answered regarding the community’s active, vibrant lifestyle combined with the assurance of lifecare. While you are here, you’ll have the option to take a tour and view beautifully decorated model residences.

Seating is limited, so reserve your place today by calling Maureen at (239) 466-1131 or 1-800-780-1131. If you prefer, you can reserve online at shellpoint.org/seminars.

CHOOSE THE DATE THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU! Tuesday

March 3

1:30 p.m.

Wednesday

March 4

9:30 a.m.

Tuesday

March 10

9:30 a.m.

Wednesday

March 18

9:30 a.m.

Tuesday

March 24

9:30 a.m.

LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED.

15101 Shell Point Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33908 • 1-800-780-1131 • (239) 466-1131 • www.shellpoint.org Shell Point is located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, just 2 miles from the Islands of Sanibel and Captiva.

Shell Point is a non-profit ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation, Inc. ©2015 Shell Point. All rights reserved. SLS-2873-15